Newcastle Blue Star vs Whitley Bay (26/07/2025)

Here we go again. Just two months after the conclusion of one league campaign does another begin and with Newcastle Blue Star being pipped to the playoff post in May, they will now look to put all that recent disappointment behind them.

A feat that should not be too difficult when you look at the pre-season form of Marc Nash’s men and with four successive home wins at the KD Stadium, a new look attack has seen plenty of friendly fire towards the opposition’s goal.

Four successive wins across their pre-season schedule, a total of 13 goals scored in the process. A minimum of three goals per game is a tally usually worthy of three points but with none up for grabs, positive momentum is the only reward for the Scotswood outfit.

Of which there has been plenty generated before their first league encounter of the new Northern League Division One season and with the bulk of the squad unchanged since the back end of their 2024/25 efforts, the usual summer transition issues have not been as forthcoming.

Two new arrivals from Blyth Town. One signing being made permanent after dual-registration. Say hello to Dan Wilson and Liam Wotherspoon as they look to repeat their promotion achievements. Say welcome back to Jack Walker as he looks to play a key defensive role in Blue Star’s next bid.

A promotion bid that could end up with victory in the playoffs, it could even lead to outright success in the form of league glory. One thing for certain is that it has to start somewhere and the first of 38 league game takes place this Saturday afternoon.

Step one on the promotion ladder for Blue Star, Whitley Bay and 18 other league outfits begins this weekend and although there are no honours up for grabs in the first few days, the ability to send a message to the rest of the division is there from the start.

These two sides are no strangers having met twice in the league last season. A 1-1 draw at Hillheads Park in September 2025. A 4-1 home win at the KD Stadium just two months later. Blue Star keen to repeat that home win. Whitley Bay keen to exact revenge and get off the mark on Saturday.

Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Whitley Bay team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.